Egg Retrieval
Egg Retrieval - Making In Vitro Fertilization Possible
The ability to collect mature eggs from a woman's ovaries for fertilization outside of the body has revolutionized fertility treatment. Originally developed as a way to help women whose fallopian tubes were irreparably blocked, IVF now allows couples who suffer from a wide range of fertility problems to successfully conceive. Performed at our offices surrounding Fort Lauderdale, Florida, egg retrieval is a vital step in the in vitro fertilization process.
Preparation
In vitro fertilization begins with ovulation induction, a process of stimulating and monitoring the ovaries. Once it is determined that the ovarian follicles are the right size and the eggs ready to be collected, a dose of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is administered to trigger the final maturation process and egg retrieval will take place approximately 36 hours later.
Prior to the procedure, anesthesia will be given. In most cases, egg retrieval is performed under moderate sedation (aka MAC), allowing the patient to be asleep for the procedure.
Ultrasound-guided Transvaginal Aspiration
The actual technique used to collect eggs for in vitro fertilization is known as an ultrasound-guided transvaginal aspiration. While an ultrasound probe is used to provide a visual image of the ovary and the surrounding structures, a very fine needle is inserted through the upper wall of the vagina and into the ovary. Through magnification of the ultrasound image, the physician can locate the individual follicles that contain mature eggs and apply gentle suction to remove the contents of each one, which is known as aspiration.
The fluid and egg from each follicle are collected into an individual container, which will then be taken to the lab for examination and preparation for fertilization. The procedure is performed on both ovaries, usually taking between 10 and 15 minutes to complete. Once the egg retrieval process is finished, the patient will remain under observation for one or two hours before being sent home.
Recovery
Patients may experience some discomfort after egg retrieval and are encouraged to rest as much as possible. Mild soreness, cramping, and light spotting are normal. Vigorous exercise and other strenuous activities should be avoided. Specific instructions will be provided prior to the procedure and should be followed carefully.
Progesterone, a hormone that would normally be released by the follicle after ovulation, is vital to the support of early pregnancy. Because aspiration of the follicles can interrupt the normal hormonal process and prevent adequate amounts of progesterone from being produced, the patient will generally be given supplemental progesterone from the time of egg retrieval through the end of the cycle.
Embryo transfer, the next procedure in the in vitro fertilization process, will take place three to five days after egg retrieval.
Contact Our Practice in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida Area
Contact our offices near Fort Lauderdale and throughout south Florida for more information about egg retrieval or the in vitro fertilization process.
